Video: Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show yesterday, after news of its development was revealed last week.

For a concept, that on the face of it, seems so insignificant, it has certainly caught the attention of showgoers with its tightly-chiselled looks and production ready finish.

Land Rover describe the Evoque Convertible Concept as “..the world’s first premium SUV convertible”, playing to the car maker’s expertise in identifying new market segments for its cars.

The soft-top concept features a fully retractable fabric roof with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The convertible cleverly combines capability and versatility, with a drop down tailgate and a comfortable four-seat set up as already employed successfully in the Evoque Coupe. Featuring unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels, the Evoque convertible concept is finished in a special new metallic Causeway Grey paint.

It’s an authentic Land Rover. The Evoque lends itself well to being a convertible.

Land Rover engineers say that the convertible adds around 75 kgs to the weight of the Evoque Coupe, mainly due to the strengthening of its window frame and body. Otherwise it retains all the Evoque’s technology including Terrain Response, surround cameras, Park Assist and its class leading infotainment system supported by a sound system from British audio experts, Meridian.

Whilst there are currently no definite plans to put the Evoque convertible into production, we would be very surprised if they chose not to, but Land Rover engineers will still need to complete development and productionisation before the car can go on sale.

On unveiling the new concept at the JLR press conference, Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern, said: “We believe that the Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. From a pure design perspective, we have used Evoque’s dramatic shape to create a distinctive and highly desirable proposition.”

“It’s an authentic Land Rover. The Evoque lends itself well to being a convertible. It’s desirable and has charm. Open-top driving in a Range Rover will be a completely different experience, but a natural progression for the brand.”

Land Rover will be gauging reaction to the concept at the Geneva motor show and if positive, could well lead to the convertible Evoque joining the range from 2013/14. There’s no rush – the car maker has orders for 60,000 Evoques (5-door and 3-door Coupe) already on its books – but with the anticipated 15-20% premium over the Evoque Coupe, there’s bound to be plenty who would migrate over to the Convertible.